Faith in Your Care

On last week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, a young man in a severe skateboarding accident came in to the ER.

He needed a blood transfusion; however, just before they provided him with one, the doctors discovered his medical alert bracelet. He was a Jehovah’s Witness; a religion that prohibits blood transfusions.

We watched as the patient’s friend encouraged the transfusion anyway, expressing doubts that he was indeed a devout Jehovah’s Witness. The challenge for doctors was not being able to speak with the patient directly nor knowing whom he wished to be making decisions on his behalf. When a person can't communicate clearly, it's always best to have a quality advance care plan that can give insight about a person's values and treatment goals.

Talking to your family and friends and completing an advance care plan, can help ensure you receive the careyouwant. Then, you need to know doctors can find your plan in an emergency. That’s where MyDirectives can help.

Have you seen this theme on other TV shows? And what about in real life – have you talked to your family and friends about your wishes, and asked them about theirs? Join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.